Inviting God To Work
What comes to mind when you think of the word “work”?
A farmer riding a tractor, toiling in the fields to harvest food for the masses? Or possibly a 9-to-5 banker sitting on a rolling chair in an office cubicle staring at a computer screen? Or maybe it’s a waitress on her feet for a 10-hour shift, juggling full plates and large drinks while attempting to share a smile with her customers? Does the word work bring a sense of woe or drudgery?
Or does it generate a feeling of pride? Maybe you think of a wealthy business owner who almost went broke building a business from the ground up, but eventually turned it into a successful company that hires hundreds of people each year. Or could it be that you personally have climbed the corporate ladder and achieved great financial status that far surpasses your wildest dreams? Maybe for you, work is your passion, and it gives you a sense of accomplishment every single day.
God created work. And anything He created is good!
From the beginning of creation, the Bible tells us God “took the man (Adam) and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” (Genesis 1:15) Adam knew work. He didn’t just lay around in paradise seeking out personal pleasures at every whim! God planned for His people to work. He knew it would be beneficial to people and provide a sense of purpose.
Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
The Lord created us in His image, each with unique talents and abilities to do specific work for the Kingdom…and He wants us to enjoy it.
But He wants us to keep it in perspective.
If our work produces arrogance or pride, then God isn't honored. So instead, we should work remembering that, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17)
Like Adam, I know work. I value work. I know it is important for me mentally, physically and spiritually. My “career days” began at the tender age of 12, circling our small neighborhood on foot in the early mornings to service my newspaper clients. Without disclosing my age, let’s just say I’ve held a steady job for more than a couple of decades. I’ve worked in retail, the corporate world, the non-profit sector and for both small, family-owned businesses and large corporations. I’ve worked in ministry, as a college instructor, and a freelance writer.
Work looks a lot different now as a stay-at-home mom. Although the tasks can become monotonous, I get a tremendous amount of satisfaction in serving my family in many ways: doing laundry, preparing meals, cleaning floors, helping with homework... the list is never-ending. And, on those days when I feel unappreciated the Lord reminds me that my work is not really about me at all. It’s about HIM!
When I press pause in my mind and re-read the verse on our kitchen wall, I'm encouraged. “Whatever you do, work heartily for the Lord, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord.” (Colossians 3:23-24) Yes! My reward for serving the Lord is in heaven! That verse was placed there to educate my children, but it speaks to my heart daily.
Our skills and talents are truly a gift from God. Taking pride in a job well-done is one thing, but we should not allow our work to define who we are, nor should we work to seek the praise of man.
True satisfaction comes from God. As Pastor Ben reminded us, our Father wants to be included in ALL parts of our lives. He doesn’t want us to just call on Him for the big decisions like buying a house or accepting a marriage proposal. He desires to guide our small, daily choices too. “Should we go out to eat tonight or stay home and save money?"“How can I best love my opinionated, gruff neighbor?”
As we wake up each day asking the Holy Spirit to guide us, the Lord increases our focus and stirs our desire for His will to be done in and through us. He's a trusted friend. Our loving shepherd. The One with a plan and purpose.
So let's embrace the work God has prepared for us to do today, knowing He gives us full access to the storehouses of His strength and grace to complete each task for His glory.
~ Tara Dye is a longtime member of LIFE Fellowship. She and her husband Paul have three children.